Mindas Robert Standley, left, and
Jeff Charlton star in the Actors Co-op
presentation of Shakespeare’s "As You Like It."
By Kristen Lara
Daily Bruin Contributor
Long before the likes of “Notting Hill” and
“Pretty Woman,” William Shakespeare engaged his
audiences with a multi-faceted romantic comedy that continues to
charm audiences today.
Performed at the Crossley Theatre through June 3 by the
award-winning Actors Co-Op, Shakespeare’s “As You Like
It” commences in the tyrannical Duke Frederick’s
court.
Oliver (Ken Merckx), the eldest son of Sir Rowland De Boys, is
jealous and resentful of his younger brother, Orlando. When
Orlando (Robert Standley) agrees to pit his strength against Duke
Frederick’s fiercest wrestler, Oliver believes he will
finally be rid of his younger brother.
After a tense match, however, Orlando surprises the spectators
by coming away the victor, while unexpectedly capturing the heart
of Rosalind. To escape his brother’s wrath, however,
Orlando is forced to leave her and flee to the forest of Arden.
The saga continues as Rosalind reveals her romantic feelings for
Orlando to Duke Frederick’s daughter, her beloved cousin
Celia. The two share an intimate sister-like relationship, with
Celia assuming the roles of confidante and advisor to Rosalind.
Unfortunately, Duke Frederick violently begrudges Rosalind the
respect and sympathies of the people and in doing so banishes her
from his court. In an unexpected move, Rosalind assumes the
identity of a man, changes her name to Ganymede, and departs to the
forest of Arden, accompanied by Celia and the court jester,
Touchstone.
Within the confines of the forest, Orlando then meets the exiled
Duke Senior. Overcome with his passion for Rosalind, he passes
his time writing her poems and posting them on trees.
When he next encounters Rosalind, she is disguised as Ganymede,
who promises to cure him of his infatuation and to teach him how to
develop his feelings into a love that transcends the first flame of
passion.
In the end the couples in “As You Like It” ““
Celia and Oliver, Rosalind and Orlando ““ find themselves
drawn together beneath Arden’s canopy.
Much of the play’s hilarity comes from the
characters’ various entanglements in the forest. Nan
McNamara’s character, Rosalind, gains strength as the play
progresses. Her performance culminates in the pivotal scene where,
as Ganymede, she promises to bring about the best resolutions to
several lovelorn youths ““ among them, her own love,
Orlando. McNamara shines as the play’s heroine and
infuses the role with emotion and sincerity.
The play also includes strong performances by Standley who
portrays Orlando with sensitivity and all the desperate passion of
a love-struck swain. In addition, Marianne Savell’s animated
performance of the piquant Celia, as well as Tim Woodward’s
characterization of the jester Touchstone, further contribute to
the humor.
“As You Like It,” directed by Joel Swetow,
represents the final play in the Actors Co-Op season in which they
examine the theme of redemption. Through the performance, the
audience can see how love can prevail in a world marked by
treachery and suspicion.
The cast charms the audience with the energy and enthusiasm of
its hearty performance. Shakespeare’s play delights as
it is revived on the modern stage.
THEATER: “As You Like It” plays at
the Crossley Theatre, 1760 North Gower Street in Hollywood through
June 3. Â Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m.,
with a special student matinee on May 17. For ticket pricing and
information call (323) 462-8460 or go to www.ActorsCo-op.org.